Comments for Letters to a Parent

Comment on Babies cry, don’t take it personally by ayallawt

ayallawt — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 04:31:07 +0000

Thank you Ladies!

I’m so glad my experience can be of help to others. I am now holding a second child, only 3 months old. It is amazing how every child is different, isn’t it?

My little girl that inspired this letter just turned two. I now face toddlerhood and tantrums. I hope to have your patience Robin.

Comment on Babies cry, don’t take it personally by robin

robin — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:43:41 +0000

You are right about this! They sure do cry. And then they get older and they demand and complain and mope. And you treat it just like you did when they were newborns, you smile and touch them and reassure them that you love them and will take care of them. You might not be able to fix all their problems (and, really, you shouldn’t) but you will stand by them and pat them on the back and softly say soothing reassuring words.

Comment on Babies cry, don’t take it personally by Christie

Christie — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 17:30:08 +0000

Oh, that I had read this when my middle child was born. We had the fortune that our first baby NEVER cried. It worried us so much that we made frantic calls to the doctor and grandmothers, wondering what was wrong with him. They laughed and told us to enjoy it.

We had no idea how lucky we were then.

I loved reading this. Thanks for sharing.

Comment on Babies cry, don’t take it personally by TravelinOma

TravelinOma — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 02:17:33 +0000

This is such good info for new moms. I’m so glad you’re sharing your wisdom.

Comment on Was it something I said? by jenny

jenny — Mon, 18 May 2009 23:14:36 +0000

Jane,
I’m so sorry for the loss of your father, he sounds absolutely wonderful.
And I’m so happy for you and your mother — that you are adding new layers to your relationship and are sharing these beautiful moments together.

Comment on Was it something I said? by jane

jane — Fri, 15 May 2009 16:10:46 +0000

Thank you for this lovely post. My father always refered to me as ‘my beautiful daughter’. When he died this year, it began to sink in that I would never hear those words, from a man, again. I miss his attention so much.
In my 30’s, constructing myself as a board certified physician,I went through a strident phase when I found it sexist that he would describe me that way. Maybe it has just sunken in so deeply, I didnt need that regard… but could I really see all those patients and not screw up? Could I pull off the intellectual challange?
Once I was over 40, a professional and a mom, he also called me ‘his wonderful daughter’, with generous helping of beautiful. He wasnt a boastful guy andI doubt he ever said this in my absence. He was just a sweet and loving father.

My mom, also the mother of 3 sons, told me I was pretty, BUT, that I must never use my looks to manipulate. I beleive she was really thinking of her sons,and fearing they would be hurt someday. Her message was, being pretty was a liability and a responsibility. At 52, I look my age. I dont need feel a need to strive for youthful beauty…maybe it has just lived a full life.
Last year, we relocated my elderly parents from the midwest. My beautiful mom and I are spending time together, enjoying a new intimacy of the mundane: meal planning, grocery lists, errands and yes, motherly advice! She looked at me as I was dressing one day, and said , like a revelation,” you are so beautiful!!’ I will alway remember that moment, like we were sharing some great news!

I too, tell my kids they are beautiful, and then add ‘wonderful’ and ‘creative’ and ’smart’ and, well you get the idea.

Comment on From your grown child, looking back… by Robin

Robin — Sat, 09 May 2009 03:53:09 +0000

I can’t wait for the lanyards this year! i’d much rather get a lanyard than a store bought gift.

Comment on Helping myself by Sam

Sam — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 04:06:39 +0000

Amazing. Thank you.

Comment on Helping myself by Greg and Suzanne

Greg and Suzanne — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 05:04:53 +0000

From a grandma 3 times over who just reached the half century mark…amen, amen and aaaamen!! I love Robin…and I love her gift for words! Little do we know what life’s future holds for us, we MUST cherish the moments we are in and not covet the ones that we think will make us happier!

Comment on Helping myself by Michelle

Michelle — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 21:11:23 +0000

Loved it. Especially since I am 30 right now and need to be reminded that it is okay to not clean the house and do what I feel pressured to do and just enjoy the kids. I already miss them when they were younger, and they are still young. And it is something I need to be reminded of every single day. So thanks.